American History Questions
Books documents can be found in:
-Give Me Liberty! An American History, Volume One SEAGULL SIXTH EDITION Eric Foner
-Voices of Freedom A Documentary History: Volume One SIXTH EDITION Eric Foner
Week 5-
Letter of Phillis Wheatley (1774) pg. 118
1. Wheatley states for in every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of freedom. As a slave of mixed Native/African descent, how is Wheatleys letter challenging the language of other Revolutionary writers?
2. This letter was published in 1774. Slavery was growing amongst the colonies and the language of Revolution was in the air. How does the institution of Slavery in the Americas fit into the vision of American Revolutionaries? Who is actually represented in the Revolutionary government? Think in terms of our discussions on what freedom meant to various groups? Who has a seat at the table?
Week 10-
George Tucker on Gabriels Rebellion (1801), pg. 151
1. What are the multiple reasons that George Tucker argues that the Virginia legislature should plan for eventual black freedom west of the Mississippi River? How does he see this as a benefit for the United States?
2. Last week, we discussed how the United States, during this period, feared and combatted internal and external instability – trying to maintain peace among all of the citizens of the US they want to unite while simultaneously preparing to defend themselves from outside enemies that threatened the North American continent. How does George Tucker make this both about fears of internal (within the US) and external (outside) chaos that could result from the continuation of slavery?
Week 11-
Angelina Grimke on Womens Rights pg. 241
7. How does Grimke differ from Beecher in her understanding of human rights? What are some of their similarities?
8. How does Grimkes use scripture to support her argument? How is religion shaping the debate over slavery?
Week 12-
Marcus Spiegel, Letter of a Civil War Soldier (1864), pg. 277
1. Why might resistance towards slavery increase during the Civil War? How did it make a difference in the gravity of the perils of the institution of slavery for Marcus Spiegel?
2. What might daily life have been like for a Union soldier? What defines their experience? Use Spiegels letter as evidence to justify your answer.
